Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 Review

Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈60.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.5%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈60.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈60.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Tropic Skincare Great Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
  • Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Dibutyl Adipate
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Isoamyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyitaconate
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Scenedesmus Deserticola Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Isoamyl Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Levulinate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Anisate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
63.7
60
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 63.7 10
10.0
60
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
60
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 63.7 10
10
All humectants
63.7
60
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
60
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 60.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
60.9
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
60
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
60
0.3
All soothing 60.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
60.3
60
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %60
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dibutyl Adipate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Dibutyl Adipate
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineA synthetic "chemical" sunscreen ingredient that protects against UV damage and offers better stability and safety compared to some other traditional organic suncreen ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Isoamyl Laurate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Isoamyl LaurateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced ester (simple oil) and is often used as a silicone alternative. It is has a light feeling and improves the spreadability of products while making skin feel soft and non-sticky.
Sodium Polyitaconate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyitaconate
Dextrin Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dextrin Isostearate
Zinc Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Scenedesmus Deserticola Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Scenedesmus Deserticola Ferment Extract
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Isoamyl Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isoamyl Cocoate
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Isostearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearic AcidA saturated fatty acid used to mix oil and water and to remove dirt from the skin's surface. Isostearic acid is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl LactylateA negatively charged surfactant that mixes oils with water and cleanses skin.
Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Althaea Officinalis Root ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the marsh-mallow plant. It contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols and antioxidant polysaccharides.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit ExtractSimilar to coconut milk or water, this fragrant extract has a sweet, coconut scent and contains a beneficial mixture of sugars, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is used as an emollient ingredient in skincare due to its content of lipids and fatty acids.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Sodium Levulinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LevulinateA sodium salt of levulinic acid that is used as an antimicrobial and preservative agent, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in a product.
Sodium Anisate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium AnisateA natural preservative with a sweet scent.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Sodium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.